The Center has been accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (www.naeyc.org) since 1996 and follows their curriculum philosophy of "developmentally appropriate practice". Therefore, the curriculum in each classroom varies year to year depending on the interest and the developmental level of the enrolled children. Teachers design curriculum units based around the interests of the children in their group and then embed within those units the basic skills that each child is developmentally ready to embrace. Activities are typically open-ended and process oriented such that children at very different developmental levels can actively participate.

These skill areas include the traditionally accepted academic skills such as pre reading and pre math skills. However, curriculum for young children is much broader than just the academics, as we know them. The other areas that the curriculum addresses are equally important if more subtle. These areas include independence skills, (being able to dress for outdoor play without repeated teacher redirection) attention span (being able to attend to a 20 minute circle), social skills (negotiating turn-taking at the take apart table) and self confidence/self control (being able to get in line when the teacher asks, even when your best friend thinks it is funny to hide instead). The Center also offers a very language rich environment, providing children with a strong foundation in vocabulary, conversation skills and literacy.

The Child Care Center is governed by a board of directors consisting primarily of parents, although 2 staff sit on the board and we have up to 3 community members as well. Although many of our families reside in Norwich and Hanover, our families actually come from a wide geographic area because of the rural nature of the Upper Valley. Families also represent a broad economic spectrum. The Center's sliding fee scale and support from the United Way of the Upper Valley makes care at the Center affordable for many families. In addition, the Center participates in the Title XX program in both New Hampshire and Vermont. The Title XX program makes block grant money available to low income working families so that they can pay for child care.

I invite you to make an appointment to come and visit our Center and find out more about our program. I would be happy to give you a tour, answer your questions and help you to determine if our Center is a match for your family needs.

Warm Regards,
Allison Colburn
Executive Director